If your home was built in the late 1990s or early 2000s, there’s a chance your roof may have been installed with CertainTeed Independence Shingles. While this was a popular roofing product for many years, the shingle has since been discontinued.
Because we’ve noticed more homes in the area with these shingles, and many homeowners are unaware that their roofing material is no longer manufactured, we wanted to provide some helpful information about what this means and what options may be available if roof repairs become necessary.
What Does It Mean When a Shingle Is Discontinued?
A discontinued roofing product is no longer being manufactured. While that doesn’t automatically create a problem, it can present challenges if your roof is damaged and replacement shingles are needed for a repair.
When matching materials are no longer available, homeowners may face difficult decisions regarding repairs, appearance, and long-term performance. Depending on the extent of the damage, a simple repair may still be possible, but in other situations alternative solutions may need to be considered.
The good news is that a discontinued shingle does not mean your roof has failed. Many Certainteed Independence Shingles roofs continue to perform well and provide years of protection.
What Are My Options If My Roof Is Damaged?
Every roof is different, which is why a professional evaluation is important.
Factors that should be considered include:
- The age of the roof
- The overall condition of the roofing system
- The extent and location of the damage
- The availability of compatible replacement materials
- The potential impact on future repairs and maintenance
In some cases, a targeted repair may be the most practical solution. In others, the age and condition of the roof may make replacement the better long-term investment.
The key is working with a contractor who understands how to evaluate discontinued roofing products and provide recommendations based on the specific condition of the roof—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Why Experience Matters with Discontinued Roofing Materials
Not all roofing contractors have experience working with discontinued products.
When matching materials are no longer available, improper repairs can sometimes create additional issues, affect the appearance of the roof, lead to unnecessary replacement work, or complicate future insurance claims.
A qualified roofing professional should be able to accurately assess the condition of the roof, determine whether a repair is feasible, and explain all available options before work begins.
For homeowners, the goal should not simply be finding someone who can install shingles. The goal should be finding someone who can help you make the right decision for your home.
Why We Replaced a Recent Independence Roof with CertainTeed Belmont
On a recent project in the area, we worked with a homeowner whose roof was covered with CertainTeed Independence shingles. After evaluating the roof and discussing the available options, the homeowner elected to replace the roof using CertainTeed Belmont shingles.
Belmont is one of CertainTeed’s premium roofing products and offers a dimensional appearance that is similar in character to the Independence shingle while providing the performance and warranty benefits of a current manufacturing line.
Because Belmont remains an actively produced CertainTeed product, homeowners also benefit from continued product availability and manufacturer support in the future.
While every roofing project is unique, Belmont has proven to be an excellent option for homeowners seeking a high-quality replacement for an aging Independence roof.
Questions About Your Roof?
If your home has CertainTeed Independence shingles, there is no immediate cause for concern simply because the product has been discontinued. However, understanding what is installed on your home can help you make more informed decisions should repairs or replacement become necessary in the future.
We encourage homeowners to keep this information with their home records and consult with an experienced roofing professional if questions arise about the condition of their roof or the availability of replacement materials.
For more than 100 years, O’Donnell Roofing has helped homeowners throughout the Philadelphia region navigate roofing decisions involving older, specialty, and discontinued roofing systems. Our goal is to provide honest guidance and help homeowners understand their options so they can make the best decision for their property.
